This paper is the sum accomplishment of experience in the course of International Studies. To ensure the quality of this paper and fullness of experience in writing them, three requirements are key:
1) The topic must be mutually agreed upon by student and instructor. 2)This research paper is expected to draw on relevant theoretical literature. The literature used to frame the topic can be from one discipline, multiple disciplines, or cross-disciplinary in nature. The thesis will reflect the topic situated into the broader literature employed.
3) Quality research paper needs to be based on primary and/or secondary sources. As such, they may draw on work the student undertook while abroad or in an internship and they will draw on a particular academic literatures. Internet sources (that are not an online version of an academic article, chapter, or book) should be approached with great caution and students must work to differentiate the validity of the source.
All articles and journals need to be peer reviewed. I will suggest to use Jstor. Encyclopedias and dictionaries are not to be considered sources for research papers. We use Turabian, Kate L. A manual for Writers of Research Papers Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago style for Students and Researchers.
I have my version of research question which I still waiting for feedback from instructor. I'm not really confident on my research question and thesis. We can discuss as you write.
Research Question: Catalan's nationalism and independence still suffer effects of Francisco Franco's dictatorship and how this led to massive oppression of Catalonia region that has their own distinct cultural identity?
Thesis: Although four decades after the end of Franco's dictatorship, his regime has had a lasting impact on how Spain controls and governs some of its regions like Catalan and Basque which have fought for their autonomy while experiencing massive political oppression by Spanish national government. I have some secondary sources that I have used for my annotated bibliography. You can find other articles that related to the topic.
Research Paper should include;
1) Introduction/research question
2) Methodology
3) Main argument
4) Franco's dictatorship in the past
5) Spain's transition to democracy / (I'm trying to state that Spanish Constitution that was in 1978 states that one no other regions can be apart from the unity of Spanish nation…. need to cite and look up)
6) Franco's influences on Catalan Independence movement today. (need to tie that current relationship and current movements to the Franco's regime)
7) Catalan referendum
8) Opposing argument side if any
9) Conclusion
PS: We can change the structure too if you have better idea. The instructor said in the feedback, I need to be specific and unique about the research question and also try to find if there is specific policy that implemented in Franco's time still effective in modern Spain. I uploaded my first draft which is not a good job but there are some articles that I think it can be useful.